Summer is about to be in full swing! Friends and families are gathering around backyards to have some fun in the sun. As cookouts and parties hit full stride and the summer heat starts to take its toll, families gather around pools to cool off and relax. If you are one of those families, you know that proper pool care is vital to enjoy summer!

Pools are now open and everyone is enjoying refreshing entertainment. However, as a pool owner, you want to get the most out of your investment. Proper maintenance and pool care will improve the life and appearance of your pool.

Proper Pool Maintenance Helps Your Pool Last Longer

We may want to relax and enjoy our pools, but keep in mind that improper maintenance can cause the swimming pool to be a breeding ground for pests and diseases. Plus, improper pool care could create:

  • pool staining
  • cloudy water
  • pungent chlorine smell
  • algal build-up
  • itchy eyes
     

Such problems can be reduced by proper maintenance. And taking the time to avoid these problems now will help increase the life of your pool. When an issue arises, be aware of healthy pool conditions and find professional pool care (if needed). Working to resolve any issues (although this should be rare with proper maintenance) will ultimately save you some money. Fortunately, there are some standard maintenance, checks and cleaning tasks that are easy to complete once you get into the routine. Below are some basic pool care procedures to help you get the most out of your pool:

Maintain the Proper pH Level


Maintaining the right water balance is very important. The pH level is the measure of acidity or alkalinity and needs to be tested weekly. The pH level of the water should be slightly alkaline (maintain a pH between 7.2 - 7.6) because chlorine is most effective at this pH level. The pH level can be controlled by adding either an acid (such as muriatic acid) or an alkali (such as soda ash or baking soda). The addition of alkali or acid will depend on whether the water is too acidic or too alkaline. Incorrect pH levels can lead to damage to pool and pool equipment.

Maintain the Proper Chlorine Level


Chlorine is necessary to sanitize the pool. Chlorine is available in the granular, tablet, or liquid form and all the types work in the same manner. The level of 'free' chlorine that has to be maintained in the pool is 1.0 - 3.0 ppm. It is advisable to add chlorine compounds after the filtration process is completed to ensure an even distribution of chlorine in the water.

Routine Shock Treatment


Pool shocking not only increases the level of free chlorine in the pool, but also destroys germs, leaving the pool attractive and sparkling. Routine shocking (which should be done weekly), destroys the combined chlorine compounds (free chlorine is required, not combined). In addition to destroying germs, combined chlorine compounds may cause that unpleasant smell and skin-eye irritation. Shock treatment packages are available in local pool stores and the pool can be shocked as per the instructions on the package.

Test & Balance Pool Water


To ensure your pool is safe and sound for the summer, remember to test and balance the pool water. If there are any questions regarding the safety of your pool water, bring in your test strips to your local NAMCO store for some assistance. Once the pool water is tested, then let your pool run for at least 24 hours (to ensure the chlorine levels are under 2.0 ppm).

Skim the Leaves & Other Debris


It is important to clean your pool. Skim leaves and other debris from your pool because if they sink to the bottom of the pool, it may result in stains. Debris, such as insects, dirt, sticks, and leaves, etc. should be removed with a long-handled skimmer. Plus, besides skimming (which should be done multiple times per week), the skimmer baskets must also be checked and the various kinds of debris need to be cleared to ensure fresh circulating pool water.

Brush & Vacuum the Pool


Although skimming your pool will help, there will still be some dirt and other debris that collects on the side and bottom of your pool. To properly brush and vacuum your pool, brush the pool walls the night before vacuuming and:

  • push the dirt towards the main drain to increase convenience while vacuuming.
  • allow the filter to run for two hours and then turn it off.
  • some debris will be picked by the filters, while the rest will settle at the bottom of the pool.
  • the next morning the settled dirt can be vacuumed away.
  • vacuuming will require the submersion of the vacuum head and hose, prior to the hooking up of the vacuum to the filter.

Check the Filter


Filters remove dirt and oil from the pool and need to be cleaned on a regular basis. There are three different types of filters and proper pool maintenance means cleaning the pool filter based on instructions from the manufacturer because each filter requires different maintenance.

Check the Water Circulation

Water circulation is a system that ensures proper filtration and enables the chemicals to work properly. The swimming pool circulation system encompasses the above-ground pump, pump strainers, skimmer, filter, and drains. The pump should be turned on each day to ensure the water filters correctly. Keep in mind that the more people use the pool, the more the water needs to be circulated.

Pool maintenance is very important! Now that summer is here and your pool is ready to go, remember to set up routine maintenance to ensure that the chemical balance is safe and acceptable throughout the summer. To avoid pool problems, take stock of your existing pool supplies and head to the nearest Namco store to learn about your above-ground pool to ensure you are taking the proper steps to maintain (and enjoy) it.

With proper pool care, you can relax and enjoy the summer!